At its meeting in Tübingen on Tuesday, the General Assembly of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) reaffirmed the universities’ commitment against all forms of anti-Semitism. The Assembly also welcomed the fact that the German Bundestag is committed to protecting Jewish life and is also recognising the many efforts made by universities and the HRK in this regard. In a resolution, however, the HRK members criticise the fact that the implementation of a university-specific resolution currently being considered could lead to an impairment of academic freedom and university autonomy.
HRK President Professor Dr Walter Rosenthal explains: ”Resolutions of the Bundestag are not legally binding. However, I understand that academics are concerned about unacceptable consequences. The resolution contains demands that, even with the best of intentions, could be seen as a gateway to restrictions and paternalism, for example in research funding. During the HRK General Assembly’s deliberations, it became clear that universities will ensure that their autonomy and academic freedom as well as science-led procedures in funding decisions are safeguarded. For us as universities, academic freedom is the basis of everything we do.”
View text of the resolution
